Coach Pep Guardiola was completely outmaneuvered - Photo: Reuters
But few Man City fans believe their team can bounce back from this signing. Donnarumma is certainly a "super goalkeeper," and perhaps even an upgraded version of Ederson at his peak. But he's not the solution to Man City's recent problems.
Before Donnarumma arrived, Manchester City's new signing James Trafford had played all three opening games of the season. He performed well in the win against Wolverhampton, made a mistake that led to his team's defeat against Tottenham, but was "unaffected" in the 1-2 loss to Brighton.
Trafford may not be good enough to be the starting goalkeeper for a big team like Man City. But he's clearly not the main reason for Pep Guardiola's team's sluggish start to the season.
So where does Man City's weakness lie? Is it the defensive midfield position, as manager Pep Guardiola complained about throughout last season? Not necessarily, since Rodri is back. Is the weakness in the team's creativity now that De Bruyne has left? Possibly, but Guardiola can't complain about personnel issues because the board has already spent over €100 million to bring in Cherki and Reijnders.
Overall, manager Guardiola has had all his personnel needs met. His team bought a striker and a center-back in the winter. Then they bought full-backs, central midfielders, and attacking midfielders in the summer. At the last minute of the transfer window, they even bought a top goalkeeper. Guardiola will have no excuses if he continues to lose matches in the coming period.
Everyone has their time to come. Manchester City fans are beginning to face the reality that their brilliant manager may have run out of magic. After years of dominance, Man City no longer poses a threat to other Premier League teams. Now, every team knows what to do when they face Man City.
Specifically, instead of sitting back against Man City, be bold in attack, apply pressure, and compete fiercely. That's how Tottenham and Brighton did it. And both are teams known for their aggressive pressing style of play.
And above all, the advantage that once made Man City "unbeatable"—money—is no longer their exclusive strength. UEFA's reforms, from Financial Fair Play regulations to increased prize money in the Champions League, have helped clubs with sustainable financial models like Liverpool and Arsenal thrive. Liverpool spent nearly 500 million euros on players this summer, a figure that even Man City at their richest could only dream of.
If even Reijnders, Cherki, and Marmoush can't save Pep Guardiola, then perhaps Donnarumma will have to give up as well.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/donnarumma-cung-kho-cuu-pep-guardiola-20250904105156485.htm
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